Types Of Bricks and Good Quality Bricks Properties

For millions of years, bricks have been one of the most common building materials used in construction. They are highly used due to their strength and tenacity, as well as since they are made of clay and other natural materials. Yet, not all bricks are equally made with clay. Different materials are used in the brick formation. To understand more about the same, here are the types of bricks that you will commonly find. Based on the types of bricks, the durability and stability of a building can also significantly change.

What are bricks?

Before we dive into our types of bricks, we want to know what bricks are. Bricks are nothing but building materials mainly made of concrete, lime, clay, or sand. For generations, bricks have been one of the main parts of construction, which also includes pavement, walls, and home construction, among many others.

Types of Bricks

Well, no, you know what bricks are; however, do you know whether you are using the correct type of bricks for your construction? If you are still waiting to learn which kind of brick is being used, then here is a list of commonly used types of bricks.

Sun-dried bricks

Sun-dried bricks, also commonly called unburnt bricks, are the most basic examples of bricks. The process involved in making these bricks is right there in the name. They are not burnt; instead, they are dried in the sun until they become problematic. They are often used in temporary or rural area construction. They are not quite strong and do not have much resistance to water and fire.

Burnt clay bricks

The most widely used brick among all the other types of bricks is burnt clay bricks. Mainly used in columns, walls, and foundations, these types of bricks further consist of four sub-types:

• First-class bricks, which are the best quality bricks
• Second-class bricks, which are the moderate quality ones
• Third-class bricks, which are pretty poor in quality
• Lastly, fourth-class bricks are irregular in shape and overburnt.

 Fly ash bricks

Fly ash bricks are mainly used for masonry, and they consist of two ashes, such as class F or class C fly ash. These are obtained as a by-product when you burn coal mixed with water and then fire at 1000 degrees Celsius. The high amount of calcium oxide present is responsible for C fly ash and makes it one of the best types of bricks for foundations or pillars. These do not require soaking before they are used in construction. They also have high fire insulation and high strength apart from low water penetration qualities.

 Concrete bricks

Concrete bricks are made mainly from cement, sand, and water and can be made in various shapes and sizes. Using concrete bricks over clay bricks has a distinct advantage since they can be made on-site, which helps reduce the amount of mortar used in construction.

Engineering bricks

Engineering bricks are well known for their strength, fire resistance, and cold resistance. They are mainly used for basements where water and chemical resistance are mandatory. They are also known for their low porosity levels, which makes them easy to use in construction.

Calcium silicate bricks

Calcium silicate bricks are mainly made with sand and lime. They are primarily used in the construction sector for various purposes, such as artistic works in buildings. They have a smooth finish and excellent fire resistance.

 Eco bricks

These types of bricks are made mainly from recycled materials such as waste products, paper, and plastic bottles. Due to their sustainability, they are not only eco-friendly but also find many uses. They are commonly used for landscaping, decorative features, or even garden walls.

 Lime bricks

Lime bricks are mainly made of lime and sand and are used in a wide range of building applications, such as partition walls, facades, and load-bearing walls. They are also a very cost-effective option when choosing bricks.

Properties of Bricks

Each type of brick has its properties, which are determined based on the materials used. Here are a few properties of bricks that you need to know when checking for the best quality bricks.

Hardness

The hardness of bricks tends to determine their ability to withstand wear and tear. Bricks with high hardness are more long-lasting and quite durable than softer bricks.

Compressive strength

Compressive strength is the ability of bricks to resist compression. It is quite an essential property since bricks need to have a high load-bearing capacity. Bricks are also tested for their compressive strength before they are used.

Absorption

Absorption refers to the ability of the bricks to absorb water easily. Bricks with lower absorption rates tend to be more critical and are used more commonly in construction since they will hardly have any cracks or weaken when exposed to high amounts of moisture.

Thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is the ability of bricks to conduct heat. Bricks with low thermal conductivity are best suited for insulation purposes since they provide a consistent temperature inside a building.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is the appearance of white deposits over the surface of bricks, usually due to the high amount of soluble salts present in them. This can weaken the bricks and cause discolouration.

Durability

Durability measures how long a brick can last. The higher the durability, the better the bricks will last. They should also be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and chemical attacks.

How to identify bricks of good quality

How can you identify good-quality bricks when you have multiple types right in front of you? Bricks are often chosen based on their structural and aesthetic capabilities; however, these only sometimes make them good quality. It is, hence, essential to assess various other factors, such as the following, when identifying good-quality bricks.

Colour and texture

Good bricks tend to be uniform in colour and texture and do not fade over time, which provides an excellent visual appeal to buildings.

Fire Resistance

Bricks should be highly fire-resistant, which enhances the security of the structure.

Sound Insulation

Bricks also need to provide good sound insulation, which makes them an ideal substance for commercial and residential buildings.

Environmental Impact

High-quality bricks are often made out of recyclable materials that contribute to the sustainability of the environment.

Alkaline Resistance

Alkaline resistance refers to the resistance to alkaline materials. Bricks with high alkaline resistance will degrade less and become damaged less over time.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Bricks

The quality of bricks used in construction can highly affect the structure, which is why you need to know how to identify bricks and their quality. Here are a few of the factors that affect the quality:

 Raw Materials

One of the most crucial aspects that affect the quality of bricks is the raw materials used. Bricks made of clay are considered to be the finest and longest-lasting bricks; however, they need to have a strong bond and proper mineral ratio, as well as adequate moisture content.

Production Process

The procedure by which the bricks are created is also necessary. Proper firing temperatures are essential to ensure that the bricks are sturdy enough to endure the environmental impacts. If the temperatures are too high, the bricks can deform.

Size and Form

The quality of bricks can be seen through their form and size. Irregular or small bricks cannot provide the strength and stability required for buildings. Also, if the bricks are excessively giant, then there may be challenges in fitting them properly.

Curing Process

For good-quality bricks, the curing process should take at least 12 to 24 days. The water supply should also be proper. If the bricks are not cured properly, they may have cracks all over and even become weak.

Advantages of using Bricks in Construction

There are various advantages of using bricks in construction, and a few of them can be provided as follows:

• Bricks do not require the application of paints for protection against environmental impacts since they have resistance properties.
• Bricks are also fireproof, which means they can easily withstand high temperatures.
• Brick is a long-lasting and durable material as compared to other materials used in construction.
• Bricks are also readily available and eliminate shipping costs, making them a cost-effective option compared to steel, concrete, or stone.
• Minor issues related to single bricks can be solved without having to break down the entire structure.

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